1. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” was originally written in 1926 by Lou Handman and Roy Turk. However, the song gained significant popularity when Elvis Presley recorded his rendition of it in 1960. Elvis’ version became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2. The story goes that Elvis was deeply moved by the song’s lyrics, and he chose to record it as a tribute to his recently separated wife, Priscilla Presley. The emotional resonance of the song and Elvis’ heartfelt delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it one of his most memorable ballads.
3. During live performances of “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” Elvis often added a humorous spoken-word section that became iconic. On one occasion, during a concert in 1969, Elvis broke into laughter while performing this part of the song. His infectious laughter spread to the audience, resulting in a memorable and lighthearted moment that showcased Elvis’ charisma and sense of humor. This incident has been widely discussed and is often referred to as the “laughing version” of the song.
Lyrics
Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?
I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world’s a stage and each of us must play a part
Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart
Act one was where we met
I loved you at first glance
You read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strange
And why I’ve never known
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I’d rather go on hearing your lies
Than to go on living without you
Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain down
Is your heart filled with pain
Shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?
